Blancpain SPECIALITES AIR COMMAND - User Manual

The Blancpain Flyback Chronograph is a self-winding timepiece, Calibre F388B, offering up to 50 hours of autonomy. This sophisticated watch features hours, minutes, a tachymeter scale, and a two-way rotating bezel.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Self-winding, Calibre F388B.
• Power Reserve: Up to 50 hours.
• Functions: Hours, minutes, flyback chronograph, tachymeter scale, two-way rotating bezel.

Crown Positions:

The crown on this Blancpain watch has two distinct positions for various adjustments:

• Position A: This is the manual-winding position. When the crown is in this position, the watch can be manually wound to ensure its power reserve is maintained.
• Position B: This position is achieved by pulling the crown out. In Position B, the user can adjust the hours and minutes of the watch, setting the time accurately.

Using the Chronograph:

The chronograph function is controlled by two pushers, each with specific roles:

• Pusher 1:
  • First Press: Initiates the central chronograph seconds hand, along with the hands on the hour and minute counters. This starts the timing sequence.
  • Second Press: Stops the chronograph function, pausing the timing.
  • Third Press: Restarts the chronograph function from where it left off.
• Pusher 2:
  • Reset Function: Resets the central chronograph seconds hand, as well as the hands on the hour and minute counters, to their zero positions.
  • Flyback Function: When the central chronograph seconds hand is in operation, pressing Pusher 2 activates the flyback function.

Flyback Function:

The flyback function is a key feature of this chronograph. It allows for an instant reset and restart of the chronograph with a single press of Pusher 2, even while the chronograph is running. This eliminates the need to stop, reset, and then restart the chronograph manually, making it particularly useful for measuring successive time intervals quickly and efficiently.

Tachymeter Scale:

The watch incorporates a tachymeter scale around its chapter ring. This scale is designed to indicate speeds based on a 1000-meter distance. To use it, start the chronograph at a known starting point, and stop it when you have covered 1000 meters. The position of the central chronograph seconds hand on the tachymeter scale will then show the average speed in units per hour.

Two-Way Rotating Bezel:

The two-way rotating bezel is a practical feature for timing events. It can be adjusted in relation to the minute hand to count off a maximum 60-minute time period.

• Setting: To use the bezel, rotate it so that the desired number of minutes (e.g., 30 minutes) aligns with the current position of the minute hand.
• Timing: The "lozenge" symbol (◆) on the bezel indicates the end of the set time period. For example, if a pilot needs to track 30 minutes of fuel, they would position the number 30 on the bezel opposite the minute hand. When the minute hand reaches the "lozenge" (◆), the 30 minutes will have elapsed.

Water-Resistance Guarantee:

For information regarding the water-resistance guarantee of your Blancpain watch, please refer to pages 2-3 of the manual. It is crucial to understand these details to ensure proper care and maintenance of your timepiece.

Dual-Purpose Blancpain Tool:

Blancpain provides a specialized dual-purpose tool designed for both correction and adjustment tasks:

1. Correction Stylus: Used for adjusting settings on the watch.
2. Screwdriver for Triple-Blade Safety Folding Clasp: Used for adjusting the triple-blade safety folding clasp.

Adjusting the Tool:

The adjustable tip of the Blancpain tool is initially set to the "screwdriver" side. To switch to the "stylus" side:

• Slide one finger into the notch and pull until the adjustable tip comes loose.
• Turn the tip to the "stylus" side.
• Place it back in position with the sphere-shaped end facing the slot.
• Press it in with a slight rotating movement to secure it.

Triple-Blade Folding Clasp (with Prong):

This watch features a triple-blade folding clasp, designed for security and comfort.

• Strap Compatibility: Only Blancpain straps specifically designed for this folding clasp should be used.
• Fitting: For safety and comfort, it is advised to have your new clasp fitted by an authorized Blancpain retailer. However, you can adjust the length of the wristband yourself.

Opening the Clasp:

To open the fastening:

1. Place one finger on each side of the clasp and pull it upwards (Fig. 1).
2. Proceed in the same manner to open the other blade (Fig. 2).

Closing the Clasp:

1. Slip your Blancpain watch on your wrist.
2. Close the folding blades as indicated in figures 3 and 4.

Adjusting the Strap:

To adjust the length of the strap:

1. Slide the section of the strap into the clasp.
2. Insert the prong into the desired hole (Fig. 5).
3. Move the prong to another hole if necessary to achieve the correct fit.

Important Note on Clasp Operation:

Do not pull the end of the strap upward to open the fastening. Doing so might cause the prong to come completely out of the hole, which could result in the watch no longer being held securely and potentially falling. Always open the clasp by pulling the sides upwards as described.